Modesto Teen Confirms She’s Back Together With Her Former Teacher Hooker

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MODESTO (CBS13) – Former Modesto high school teacher James Hooker is back together with his former student, the 18-year-old teen told CBS13 on Tuesday.

The two reportedly broke up after Hooker was arrested on charges of sexual assault against another student back in 1998, but when CBS13 went to Hooker’s apartment on Tuesday, Jordan Powers, his former student at Enochs High School, answered the door.

“We just talked to your mom. She was afraid you were back with James. Are you two back together?” Checkey Beckford asked Jordan.

“Yeah,” she replied.

“Really?”

“Yeah. I don’t want to do any news though. I’m just not interested in talking at all,” she said.

Tammie Powers, who received more bad news on Tuesday when a bill that would have made it a crime for teachers to engage in sexual relationships with their students, regardless of if the student is 18, was defeated in committee at the state Capitol.

Tammie Powers says Hooker hasn’t stopped in his pursuit of Jordan, constantly calling and texting and even hanging around Tammie’s home.

Tammie Powers is disgusted that Jordan is back with Hooker even after the former business teacher was recently charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old student after they allegedly met at a Future Business Leaders of America conference and struck up a relationship back in 1998.

The now 31-year-old woman said she went to police after seeing TV reports of Hooker’s relationship with Powers, which has made national news. He’s been charged with one count of oral copulation.

Neighbors say Powers moved back in a few days ago.

Jordan Powers, 18, tells CBS13's Checkey Beckford she's moved back in with her former teacher, James Hooker, 41, despite Hooker's recent arrest for sexual assault on a 17-year-old back several years ago. (credit: CBS13)

Beckford asked if if Hooker was willing to talk. “No, he’s not available,” Jordan said. “I’ll give you a call if I’m interested in talking later on.”

Neighbors who don’t want to be identified say they’re sickened by the whole thing.

“It’s kind of disturbing this teacher would go about that,” one said.

“She came out and she had wet hair like she got out of the shower or something,” said another. “It’s not right. It’s not right.”

Tammie Powers, who has fought hard against Hooker, including speaking out against him when the two appeared on “Dr. Phil” along with her daughter, isn’t sure what happens next.